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LOT 478 Beautiful Presentation Cased Exhibition Grade Finely Engraved Gilt H. Holland Tranter Model 1868 First Pattern Double Action Revolver with Noble Crest - Serial no. 5978, 450 cal., 5 inch octagon bbl., blue/gold finish, antique ivory grips. While a fair number of Tranter revolvers have fine engraving, this is certainly the most extravagant Tranter we have seen, and its deluxe
treatment by famed British royal gunmaker Harris Holland c. 1868-1876 certainly points towards a special use or recipient. The back of the grip and the handles of the screwdriver and cleaning rod are engraved with a coronet over a design that includes a “X” design and down-turned letter “B” highlighted with black enamel, and the same monogram is embossed on the lid of the leather on the case lid indicating royal ownership. The original owner’s identity has not been found at this time, but the coronet appears to point towards a prince. The revolver is an early version of the Model 1868 with the long ejector. The blued barrel has a rounded blade front sight and “H Holland 98 New
Bond St. London” in gold inlay along the top flat along with gold inlaid scrolls at the muzzle and breech end of the upper side flats, very fine scroll engraving, and lined borders. The long ejector rod is fitted underneath, and the gilded arm is marked “TRANTER’S PATENT” on the left side. The gold plated frame also has “W. TRANTERS/PATENT/5978” on the left at the breech, “WH” on the lower left, and beautiful scroll and floral engraving. The trigger guard and pommel cap feature coordinating engraving and gold plating, and the hammer, trigger, and remaining small parts are niter blue. The revolver comes in a leather bound oak P.E. Schafer case with green baize lined interior fitted to the revolver along with a cartridge block with some casings, gilt wrench, gilt James Dixon & Sons oiler, gilt blade and fittings on the screwdriver, and set of spare springs. CONDITION: Extremely fine with 90% plus of the bright original blue finish remaining on the barrel, an equal amount of original gold remaining on the cylinder, 75% original gold remaining on the frame and ejector arm, strong original gold on the protected areas of the remaining components, and smooth gray and brown patina on the balance. The engraving and markings remain nice and crisp, and strong original niter blue remains on many of the smaller components. The grip displays attractive natural creamy tones and faint grain patterns along with crisp monogram and nearly all of the black enamel. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good with mild age and storage wear on the leather exterior and minor contact wear on the interior. Cartridges are cracked. The other accessories are excellent with minimal age and storage related wear, including some fading of the gilding. Estimate: 15,000 - 25,000
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